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I’m going to say something that may make a few groomers uncomfortable: a dog can leave your salon looking beautiful and still not have received a great groom. I said what I said. We groomers know how to make a coat look good. We can fluff it, shape it, shine it, and send it home looking like a million bucks. But while we are busy perfecting what everyone can see, the skin underneath may be telling us a completely different story. Itching. Redness. Flakes. Odor. Greasy patches. Hot spots …

We all know there’s a difference between hearing and listening—but do we really practice it? Hearing is simply perceiving sound. Listening is giving attention, interpreting meaning, and responding with intent. Hearing is passive. Listening is work. And for managers, leaders, and business owners, mastering listening is one of the most powerful skills you can develop. Why Listening Matters More Than Hearing Think about the barking dog in your salon. You hear it whether you want to or …

“I can’t get no satisfaction… ’cause I try and I try.” —The Rolling Stones Your customers should never be singing this about your business. One disappointing visit can send them down the street—and that’s not a $60–$100 loss; it’s $4,000–$5,000 over the life of the dog. The Real Secret: Communication Most service failures aren’t about skill—they’re about poor communication. Hearing is passive;&nbs …

The other day my wife sent me on an errand to her salon. When I walked in, I was struck by how polished everything was—the décor, the smells, the staff. The stylists looked like they had stepped out of a fashion magazine: trendy hair, manicured nails, stylish clothes, jewelry. Even though I was out of my element, I quickly realized something: they were marketing themselves. Their business depends on the confidence customers feel the moment they walk in. By showing proof of thei …

I travel a lot—30 to 40 trips a year for trade shows, client visits, and the occasional golf getaway. Along the way, I meet countless “friends I haven’t met yet.” And every time someone asks what I do, the moment I say “I’m in the pet industry,” the conversation changes. People light up. They tell me about their dogs, cats, childhood pets—you name it. It reminds me of one of the biggest advantages we have in this business: nearly ev …